1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:00,000 2 00:00:10,829 --> 00:00:13,819 Well , welcome everyone this afternoon . 3 00:00:13,829 --> 00:00:17,659 Uh The 2023 Osmin 4 00:00:17,670 --> 00:00:21,270 has been conducted with heavy 5 00:00:21,280 --> 00:00:23,799 hearts , given the news that we woke up 6 00:00:23,809 --> 00:00:27,209 to this morning . I know I speak on 7 00:00:27,219 --> 00:00:29,590 behalf of all four of us when I say 8 00:00:29,600 --> 00:00:32,139 that our thoughts and prayers are very 9 00:00:32,150 --> 00:00:35,450 much with the missing air crew and 10 00:00:35,459 --> 00:00:38,169 their families as we've been meeting 11 00:00:38,180 --> 00:00:40,360 today . And as we speak to you in this 12 00:00:40,369 --> 00:00:44,090 moment , Australian and us defense 13 00:00:44,099 --> 00:00:46,580 force personnel are working closely 14 00:00:46,590 --> 00:00:49,419 together in the search and rescue 15 00:00:50,400 --> 00:00:52,729 exercise . Talisman saber involves a 16 00:00:52,740 --> 00:00:54,518 number of countries , but it is 17 00:00:54,518 --> 00:00:57,080 fundamentally a bilateral exercise 18 00:00:57,090 --> 00:00:59,930 between Australia and the United States . 19 00:01:00,360 --> 00:01:02,138 It's jointly planned by our two 20 00:01:02,138 --> 00:01:04,769 countries and jointly run by our two 21 00:01:04,779 --> 00:01:07,970 countries . It is so important for both 22 00:01:07,980 --> 00:01:11,180 of our defense forces . It's serious , 23 00:01:11,440 --> 00:01:13,718 it is dangerous and it does carry risk . 24 00:01:14,360 --> 00:01:16,980 And as we have contemplated that during 25 00:01:16,989 --> 00:01:20,040 the course of our deliberations today , 26 00:01:20,529 --> 00:01:23,129 we are reminded that as our defense 27 00:01:23,139 --> 00:01:26,139 force personnel have been side by side 28 00:01:26,150 --> 00:01:28,317 today , they have in fact been side by 29 00:01:28,317 --> 00:01:30,372 side with each other for more than a 30 00:01:30,372 --> 00:01:34,029 century during which Australians and 31 00:01:34,040 --> 00:01:37,019 Americans have fought together in every 32 00:01:37,029 --> 00:01:39,940 conflict during that time . The 33 00:01:39,949 --> 00:01:42,239 alliance is built upon that . It's 34 00:01:42,250 --> 00:01:44,790 built upon the shared values which 35 00:01:44,800 --> 00:01:47,370 underpin that . And all four of us in 36 00:01:47,379 --> 00:01:50,839 our conversations today feel the 37 00:01:50,849 --> 00:01:54,690 legacy of that history . When we met 38 00:01:54,699 --> 00:01:57,419 in Washington last December , 39 00:01:57,839 --> 00:02:01,629 we agreed on a number of 40 00:02:01,639 --> 00:02:04,029 initiatives and measures . And the very 41 00:02:04,040 --> 00:02:05,984 first observation that we all made 42 00:02:05,984 --> 00:02:08,190 today was that what we agreed last 43 00:02:08,199 --> 00:02:10,699 December ? Since then , we have done , 44 00:02:11,000 --> 00:02:14,639 we have put into practice and today , 45 00:02:14,839 --> 00:02:18,539 we have had a very fruitful and rich 46 00:02:18,550 --> 00:02:21,419 conversation about the state of the 47 00:02:21,429 --> 00:02:24,229 alliance about the state of the world 48 00:02:24,240 --> 00:02:26,929 in which we are both operating its 49 00:02:26,940 --> 00:02:29,279 complexity . It's volatility , its 50 00:02:29,289 --> 00:02:32,630 threat . And as we engage in that world 51 00:02:32,639 --> 00:02:35,100 together , all of us have felt that the 52 00:02:35,110 --> 00:02:38,039 alliance has never been in better shape 53 00:02:38,050 --> 00:02:41,130 than it is right now . We've made 54 00:02:41,139 --> 00:02:44,130 important steps forward in respect of 55 00:02:44,169 --> 00:02:46,779 American Force Posture initiatives in 56 00:02:46,789 --> 00:02:49,729 Australia building on what currently 57 00:02:49,740 --> 00:02:53,570 exists . There is a commitment to 58 00:02:53,580 --> 00:02:56,410 increase American Force Posture in 59 00:02:56,419 --> 00:02:58,899 respect of our northern bases in 60 00:02:58,910 --> 00:03:02,149 respect of our maritime patrols and our 61 00:03:02,160 --> 00:03:05,339 reconnaissance aircraft , further force 62 00:03:05,350 --> 00:03:08,470 posture initiatives involving us , 63 00:03:08,479 --> 00:03:11,639 water us , army water , uh watercraft 64 00:03:11,940 --> 00:03:15,110 and in respect of uh logistics and 65 00:03:15,119 --> 00:03:17,919 stores which have been very central to 66 00:03:17,929 --> 00:03:21,899 exercise Talisman Saber . We 67 00:03:21,910 --> 00:03:25,229 spoke about the optimal pathway by 68 00:03:25,240 --> 00:03:27,770 which Australia will acquire a nuclear 69 00:03:27,820 --> 00:03:31,309 powered submarine capability , which we 70 00:03:31,320 --> 00:03:33,559 announced in March of this year . And 71 00:03:33,570 --> 00:03:36,089 this is our first meeting since then 72 00:03:36,910 --> 00:03:40,320 and that continues apace and 73 00:03:40,330 --> 00:03:43,600 continues as well in terms of the force 74 00:03:43,610 --> 00:03:46,899 uh of America within Australia . We 75 00:03:46,910 --> 00:03:49,639 will be seeing an increased tempo of 76 00:03:49,649 --> 00:03:52,350 visits from American nuclear powered 77 00:03:52,360 --> 00:03:55,059 submarines to our waters as we look 78 00:03:55,070 --> 00:03:58,419 towards the establishment of a US 79 00:03:58,429 --> 00:04:01,559 submarine rotation uh at H MA S 80 00:04:01,570 --> 00:04:04,779 Sterling later in this decade . And 81 00:04:04,789 --> 00:04:07,190 importantly , in terms of Force Posture 82 00:04:07,199 --> 00:04:09,660 initiatives , we agreed that space 83 00:04:09,669 --> 00:04:12,800 cooperation would now form a key part 84 00:04:12,809 --> 00:04:16,089 of what we do in our military and 85 00:04:16,100 --> 00:04:18,149 defense cooperation and this is a 86 00:04:18,160 --> 00:04:21,350 critical step forward . We are really 87 00:04:21,359 --> 00:04:23,480 pleased with the steps that we are 88 00:04:23,489 --> 00:04:26,269 taking in respect of establishing a 89 00:04:26,279 --> 00:04:28,720 guided weapons and explosive ordinance 90 00:04:28,730 --> 00:04:32,420 enterprise in this country . In doing 91 00:04:32,779 --> 00:04:36,100 in a way , we hope to see manufacturing 92 00:04:36,109 --> 00:04:39,059 of missiles commence in Australia in 93 00:04:39,070 --> 00:04:42,450 two years time as part of a collective 94 00:04:42,459 --> 00:04:44,929 industrial base between our two 95 00:04:44,940 --> 00:04:47,980 countries . And this represents a very , 96 00:04:47,989 --> 00:04:51,109 very significant step forward in our 97 00:04:51,119 --> 00:04:54,260 relationship and in the relationship of 98 00:04:54,269 --> 00:04:57,000 our defense industry . We are very 99 00:04:57,010 --> 00:04:59,660 grateful to the efforts which have uh 100 00:04:59,670 --> 00:05:02,660 been undertaken by uh the Biden 101 00:05:02,670 --> 00:05:06,040 administration in respect of export , 102 00:05:06,049 --> 00:05:08,200 defense , export control legislation 103 00:05:08,209 --> 00:05:10,529 and creating a more seamless defense 104 00:05:10,540 --> 00:05:13,100 industrial base between our countries . 105 00:05:13,910 --> 00:05:16,399 We are enormously grateful of the 106 00:05:16,410 --> 00:05:19,670 presence of Lloyd and Tony in Australia 107 00:05:19,679 --> 00:05:21,950 today . I think Penny and I both feel 108 00:05:21,980 --> 00:05:24,899 as we do these meetings with countries 109 00:05:24,910 --> 00:05:27,829 across the world , we can stand here 110 00:05:27,839 --> 00:05:30,061 hand on heart and say that Australia at 111 00:05:30,061 --> 00:05:32,172 this moment has no better friend than 112 00:05:32,172 --> 00:05:34,061 America and that the relationship 113 00:05:34,061 --> 00:05:36,070 between the four of us is one of 114 00:05:36,079 --> 00:05:38,779 friendship and trust which embodies the 115 00:05:38,790 --> 00:05:40,980 relationship between our two countries 116 00:05:41,070 --> 00:05:43,089 and gives us an enormous sense of 117 00:05:43,100 --> 00:05:46,429 purpose about how we take forward the 118 00:05:46,440 --> 00:05:49,149 alliance in a very complex world . 119 00:05:49,589 --> 00:05:52,399 Penny . Uh Thank you , Deputy Prime 120 00:05:52,410 --> 00:05:55,720 Minister . Uh And I also wish to start 121 00:05:55,730 --> 00:05:59,359 by saying my thoughts today are with 122 00:05:59,369 --> 00:06:02,709 the families uh and the search and 123 00:06:02,720 --> 00:06:05,660 rescue crews searching for those uh on 124 00:06:05,670 --> 00:06:09,450 board the helicopter uh that uh ditch 125 00:06:09,459 --> 00:06:11,920 during the Talisman Saber exercises . 126 00:06:12,390 --> 00:06:14,470 We are reminded that those who serve 127 00:06:14,480 --> 00:06:17,929 our country uh do so . Uh 128 00:06:18,269 --> 00:06:22,149 recognizing the risk that that service 129 00:06:22,160 --> 00:06:26,140 entails and demonstrating every day , 130 00:06:27,000 --> 00:06:29,333 the courage to take on that risk on our , 131 00:06:29,333 --> 00:06:33,269 on our behalf . Uh And we thank them 132 00:06:33,279 --> 00:06:36,829 for it . It's uh it certainly has meant 133 00:06:36,839 --> 00:06:38,950 we , we've met , we've met with heavy 134 00:06:38,950 --> 00:06:42,950 hearts uh today , ah This is our 135 00:06:42,959 --> 00:06:46,269 second Osman . Uh And uh 136 00:06:46,690 --> 00:06:48,634 it's good to be here in Brisbane . 137 00:06:49,700 --> 00:06:53,339 We've had uh not only 138 00:06:53,350 --> 00:06:56,950 productive discussions but deep warm , 139 00:06:56,959 --> 00:06:59,850 engaged , open , honest and transparent 140 00:06:59,859 --> 00:07:01,959 discussions . Uh 141 00:07:03,700 --> 00:07:07,160 The US is our vital ally . It is our 142 00:07:07,170 --> 00:07:09,589 closest global partner , our closest 143 00:07:09,600 --> 00:07:12,769 strategic partner uh and spoke about 144 00:07:12,779 --> 00:07:16,450 our history . Ah I 145 00:07:16,489 --> 00:07:18,378 would also speak about our future 146 00:07:19,269 --> 00:07:21,491 because the work that we are engaged in 147 00:07:21,491 --> 00:07:23,739 in these discussions today is about 148 00:07:23,750 --> 00:07:25,750 operationalize our alliance , our 149 00:07:25,760 --> 00:07:28,519 partnership for these times , 150 00:07:29,489 --> 00:07:32,140 these times with many challenges . 151 00:07:33,029 --> 00:07:35,640 And it is about operational the 152 00:07:35,649 --> 00:07:39,359 alliance in order to ensure 153 00:07:39,369 --> 00:07:43,239 peace , stability , an order in 154 00:07:43,250 --> 00:07:46,790 which prosperity can be attained and 155 00:07:46,799 --> 00:07:50,679 built upon and a region and a world 156 00:07:50,690 --> 00:07:54,260 which respects sovereignty . And 157 00:07:54,410 --> 00:07:56,632 we know how important the United States 158 00:07:56,632 --> 00:08:00,369 is to that shared endeavor . Uh Richard 159 00:08:00,380 --> 00:08:03,130 spoke about the fact that , you know , 160 00:08:03,290 --> 00:08:05,559 much of what we have spoken about on 161 00:08:05,570 --> 00:08:07,737 the last occasion in Washington has in 162 00:08:07,737 --> 00:08:09,959 fact been operationalized . We've we've 163 00:08:09,959 --> 00:08:12,014 seen action on it and we acknowledge 164 00:08:12,014 --> 00:08:15,200 the work uh that our friends of the 165 00:08:15,209 --> 00:08:17,709 United States have undertaken to ensure 166 00:08:17,720 --> 00:08:19,776 those outcomes have been delivered . 167 00:08:19,776 --> 00:08:22,010 And we thank Australian officials also 168 00:08:22,019 --> 00:08:25,339 for their work . Uh In addition 169 00:08:25,690 --> 00:08:29,279 to the uh legislative matters and 170 00:08:29,290 --> 00:08:31,401 policy matters that Richard's averted 171 00:08:31,401 --> 00:08:33,568 to in defense . I would just make this 172 00:08:33,568 --> 00:08:37,150 point that uh we uh will be 173 00:08:37,159 --> 00:08:40,729 signing an mou that sees us aid and D A 174 00:08:40,780 --> 00:08:42,719 work together to preposition 175 00:08:42,729 --> 00:08:44,710 humanitarian supplies both here in 176 00:08:44,719 --> 00:08:46,830 Brisbane and also in Papua New Guinea 177 00:08:47,229 --> 00:08:49,719 to enable more effective humanitarian 178 00:08:49,729 --> 00:08:51,618 responses in the regions that was 179 00:08:51,618 --> 00:08:53,785 actually announced by the leaders . Hi 180 00:08:54,719 --> 00:08:56,497 and we're already signing legal 181 00:08:56,497 --> 00:08:59,719 documents to make that happen . We are 182 00:08:59,729 --> 00:09:02,960 committed to making sure we not only 183 00:09:02,969 --> 00:09:06,219 announce but we work on the ground to 184 00:09:06,229 --> 00:09:09,309 ensure we deliver . We're also pleased 185 00:09:09,320 --> 00:09:11,320 that there will be consideration of 186 00:09:11,320 --> 00:09:13,487 what more the US Coast Guard can do in 187 00:09:13,487 --> 00:09:16,309 the region . Uh We know how important 188 00:09:16,320 --> 00:09:19,369 to our region . Uh illegal fishing and 189 00:09:19,380 --> 00:09:21,210 maritime security is 190 00:09:23,039 --> 00:09:26,190 on climate . Uh You will recall that 191 00:09:26,200 --> 00:09:29,229 the Prime Minister and the president 192 00:09:29,409 --> 00:09:32,690 announced at Hiroshima , the third 193 00:09:32,700 --> 00:09:35,289 pillar of the Alliance , a focus on 194 00:09:35,299 --> 00:09:38,010 climate and clean energy . Uh We spoke 195 00:09:38,020 --> 00:09:40,169 about that again , today , we are 196 00:09:40,179 --> 00:09:42,890 focused on ensuring we work together 197 00:09:42,900 --> 00:09:45,609 both globally but also uh on the 198 00:09:45,619 --> 00:09:48,729 transition to renewable energy uh in 199 00:09:48,739 --> 00:09:51,409 our two countries and in our region , 200 00:09:52,140 --> 00:09:55,020 us engagement on this issue is so 201 00:09:55,030 --> 00:09:58,950 critically important . We look forward 202 00:09:59,729 --> 00:10:03,500 uh to the next milestone in 203 00:10:03,510 --> 00:10:05,677 the history of the Alliance , which of 204 00:10:05,677 --> 00:10:07,732 course is the Prime Minister's State 205 00:10:07,732 --> 00:10:10,739 visit to Washington and I close uh by 206 00:10:10,750 --> 00:10:12,900 reiterating again , we do live in a 207 00:10:12,909 --> 00:10:15,619 world of many challenges and we are 208 00:10:15,630 --> 00:10:19,460 very clear that the region we 209 00:10:19,469 --> 00:10:23,179 want the interests , we have the values 210 00:10:23,190 --> 00:10:27,140 we share uh require and call 211 00:10:27,150 --> 00:10:30,710 for uh our two nations to work 212 00:10:30,719 --> 00:10:32,663 together . And that is what we are 213 00:10:32,663 --> 00:10:35,229 doing . We , we thank you so much for 214 00:10:35,239 --> 00:10:38,400 your work with us today . Uh And for uh 215 00:10:38,409 --> 00:10:41,989 coming here to uh Queensland uh for , 216 00:10:42,000 --> 00:10:44,000 for the Osborne talks . Thank you . 217 00:10:45,440 --> 00:10:48,960 Thank you , Richard . Um First 218 00:10:48,969 --> 00:10:51,929 for , for Lloyd , for me . 219 00:10:52,650 --> 00:10:55,950 Um Being here with the both of 220 00:10:55,960 --> 00:10:59,869 you um with not just the 221 00:11:01,580 --> 00:11:03,580 important professional relationship 222 00:11:03,580 --> 00:11:05,909 that we have , but as you both said , 223 00:11:05,919 --> 00:11:08,630 the , the genuine friendship uh makes 224 00:11:08,640 --> 00:11:10,751 all the difference in the world penny 225 00:11:10,751 --> 00:11:12,869 to your point that we're living in 226 00:11:13,280 --> 00:11:15,447 incredibly challenging times that only 227 00:11:15,447 --> 00:11:18,609 underscores how vitally important it is 228 00:11:18,619 --> 00:11:20,563 for the United States to have this 229 00:11:20,563 --> 00:11:23,400 remarkable alliance , this remarkable 230 00:11:23,409 --> 00:11:27,349 friendship with Australia , we have 231 00:11:27,359 --> 00:11:29,950 no greater or more valuable ally . I 232 00:11:29,960 --> 00:11:32,400 think that's only been reconfirmed by 233 00:11:32,409 --> 00:11:34,419 the talks we've had over the last 234 00:11:34,669 --> 00:11:38,450 couple of days , like my colleagues . 235 00:11:38,460 --> 00:11:41,400 Um I also have to start by saying that 236 00:11:41,760 --> 00:11:44,349 our hearts are full , full of concern 237 00:11:45,210 --> 00:11:47,349 for the four Australian servicemen 238 00:11:47,619 --> 00:11:49,730 whose helicopter crashed last night . 239 00:11:50,330 --> 00:11:53,340 Um And our hearts are full too because 240 00:11:54,309 --> 00:11:57,150 they were performing their duties 241 00:11:57,159 --> 00:11:59,215 alongside American service , men and 242 00:11:59,215 --> 00:12:02,210 women to further strengthen our 243 00:12:02,299 --> 00:12:04,521 alliance , our partnership and the work 244 00:12:04,521 --> 00:12:06,743 we're doing together around the world . 245 00:12:07,000 --> 00:12:09,167 They have been on our minds throughout 246 00:12:09,167 --> 00:12:11,222 today . They remain very much on our 247 00:12:11,222 --> 00:12:15,200 minds right now . Um I'd 248 00:12:15,210 --> 00:12:17,432 also like to say for me , uh as a point 249 00:12:17,440 --> 00:12:20,859 of almost personal privilege returning 250 00:12:20,869 --> 00:12:22,969 here to Australia um has real 251 00:12:22,979 --> 00:12:25,659 significance . Um My late stepfather 252 00:12:25,669 --> 00:12:27,891 Samuel Pizza , went to secondary school 253 00:12:27,891 --> 00:12:29,650 in Australia and received his 254 00:12:29,659 --> 00:12:31,826 undergraduate degree at the University 255 00:12:31,826 --> 00:12:34,710 of Melbourne . His time here profoundly 256 00:12:34,719 --> 00:12:37,330 shaped him . He was literally saved , 257 00:12:37,340 --> 00:12:39,062 rescued by Australia after the 258 00:12:39,062 --> 00:12:41,284 holocaust having survived concentration 259 00:12:41,284 --> 00:12:44,030 camps . And so this country will always 260 00:12:44,369 --> 00:12:47,309 hold a very special place for me and 261 00:12:47,320 --> 00:12:49,809 for my family . It also holds a special 262 00:12:49,820 --> 00:12:51,630 place in the hearts of so many 263 00:12:51,640 --> 00:12:54,559 Americans . Uh Indeed , in Australia , 264 00:12:55,409 --> 00:12:57,520 Americans know they have one of their 265 00:12:57,520 --> 00:12:59,242 dearest friends , one of their 266 00:12:59,242 --> 00:13:01,076 staunchest allies , one of their 267 00:13:01,076 --> 00:13:03,409 closest partners for over seven decades . 268 00:13:03,409 --> 00:13:05,187 Now , we have worked so closely 269 00:13:05,187 --> 00:13:07,353 together as allies . And indeed , this 270 00:13:07,353 --> 00:13:10,469 is our 33rd such consultation and I 271 00:13:10,479 --> 00:13:12,780 agree very much with what Richard and 272 00:13:12,789 --> 00:13:15,039 Penny both said our relationship has 273 00:13:15,049 --> 00:13:18,250 never been stronger or more important 274 00:13:18,260 --> 00:13:20,700 for us . And I would argue for the 275 00:13:20,710 --> 00:13:22,950 world uh chief among our discussions 276 00:13:22,960 --> 00:13:25,182 today was the shared commitment that we 277 00:13:25,182 --> 00:13:28,580 have to advance a free , open , secure , 278 00:13:28,590 --> 00:13:30,646 prosperous , resilient and connected 279 00:13:30,646 --> 00:13:33,250 Indo Pacific . But what do we actually 280 00:13:33,260 --> 00:13:36,659 mean by that ? We mean a region where 281 00:13:36,669 --> 00:13:38,909 countries are free to chart their own 282 00:13:38,919 --> 00:13:41,099 path and to choose their own partners 283 00:13:41,109 --> 00:13:43,539 where issues are dealt with openly 284 00:13:43,700 --> 00:13:46,349 transparently , rules are decided 285 00:13:46,359 --> 00:13:49,500 together they're applied fairly goods 286 00:13:49,510 --> 00:13:52,599 ideas , people can flow lawfully and 287 00:13:52,609 --> 00:13:54,989 freely . The joint statement that we 288 00:13:55,000 --> 00:13:56,889 put out makes clear that both the 289 00:13:56,889 --> 00:13:58,667 United States and Australia are 290 00:13:58,667 --> 00:14:00,778 committed to that goal to that vision 291 00:14:00,778 --> 00:14:02,833 and to realizing it through the work 292 00:14:02,833 --> 00:14:05,056 that we're doing together bilaterally , 293 00:14:05,056 --> 00:14:07,167 as well as through revitalized and in 294 00:14:07,167 --> 00:14:08,944 some cases , new coalitions and 295 00:14:08,944 --> 00:14:10,944 partnerships that we've established 296 00:14:10,944 --> 00:14:12,778 throughout the region . Uh We're 297 00:14:12,778 --> 00:14:15,000 deepening our collaboration through the 298 00:14:15,000 --> 00:14:16,944 Quad where alongside India Japan , 299 00:14:16,944 --> 00:14:18,889 we're actually delivering concrete 300 00:14:18,889 --> 00:14:21,111 results for our people and parties like 301 00:14:21,111 --> 00:14:23,333 promoting health security , shaping the 302 00:14:23,333 --> 00:14:22,690 future of critical and emerging 303 00:14:22,700 --> 00:14:24,867 technologies in a way that aligns with 304 00:14:24,867 --> 00:14:26,589 our values and our interests , 305 00:14:26,589 --> 00:14:28,809 enhancing maritime domain awareness , 306 00:14:28,820 --> 00:14:30,931 the capacity of countries to actually 307 00:14:30,931 --> 00:14:32,876 understand what's happening in the 308 00:14:32,876 --> 00:14:35,042 waters around them and connecting more 309 00:14:35,042 --> 00:14:36,709 people to the internet and to 310 00:14:36,709 --> 00:14:38,931 telecommunications infrastructure . One 311 00:14:38,931 --> 00:14:40,987 of the ways I don't that we're doing 312 00:14:40,987 --> 00:14:43,042 that is through the Quad partnership 313 00:14:43,042 --> 00:14:45,264 for cable connectivity resilience where 314 00:14:45,264 --> 00:14:47,320 Australia's leadership is helping to 315 00:14:47,320 --> 00:14:49,264 connect more people to trusted and 316 00:14:49,264 --> 00:14:51,376 secure underseas cable systems . This 317 00:14:51,376 --> 00:14:53,598 is really the world's Information Super 318 00:14:53,598 --> 00:14:55,653 Highway and it is critical to growth 319 00:14:55,653 --> 00:14:57,709 and prosperity . We're elevating our 320 00:14:57,710 --> 00:14:59,710 engagement with the Pacific Islands 321 00:14:59,710 --> 00:15:01,877 Forum where we're partnering on shared 322 00:15:01,877 --> 00:15:03,988 priorities like promoting sustainable 323 00:15:03,988 --> 00:15:05,877 and inclusive economic growth and 324 00:15:05,877 --> 00:15:07,988 making our communities more resilient 325 00:15:07,988 --> 00:15:10,099 to climate change . The United States 326 00:15:10,099 --> 00:15:12,043 is committed to broader and deeper 327 00:15:12,043 --> 00:15:13,821 cooperation with Pacific Island 328 00:15:13,821 --> 00:15:15,766 countries , which is why Secretary 329 00:15:15,766 --> 00:15:17,766 Austin uh Second Gentleman Emhoff , 330 00:15:17,766 --> 00:15:19,654 Secretary Holland and I have each 331 00:15:19,654 --> 00:15:21,488 visited different Pacific Island 332 00:15:21,488 --> 00:15:23,599 countries just in the past week alone 333 00:15:23,599 --> 00:15:25,543 on August , we are building on the 334 00:15:25,543 --> 00:15:27,543 momentum from President Biden Prime 335 00:15:27,543 --> 00:15:29,599 Minister Al Nisi and Prime Ministers 336 00:15:29,599 --> 00:15:31,710 meeting in San Diego in March earlier 337 00:15:31,710 --> 00:15:33,821 this month . The first group of Royal 338 00:15:33,821 --> 00:15:36,043 Australian Navy officers graduated from 339 00:15:36,043 --> 00:15:38,210 the United States Navy's Nuclear Power 340 00:15:38,210 --> 00:15:40,266 School where they've been trained to 341 00:15:40,266 --> 00:15:42,266 safely operate conventionally armed 342 00:15:42,266 --> 00:15:44,266 nuclear powered submarines . At the 343 00:15:44,266 --> 00:15:46,154 same time , our two countries are 344 00:15:46,154 --> 00:15:48,377 defending the international rules based 345 00:15:48,377 --> 00:15:50,543 order which has underwritten peace and 346 00:15:50,543 --> 00:15:52,710 security for decades and which ensures 347 00:15:52,710 --> 00:15:54,654 that each country can make its own 348 00:15:54,654 --> 00:15:56,543 sovereign decisions free from any 349 00:15:56,543 --> 00:15:58,710 coercion . Uh We're doing that in part 350 00:15:58,710 --> 00:16:01,859 by engaging China uh but also as 351 00:16:01,869 --> 00:16:03,900 necessary , opposing its efforts to 352 00:16:03,909 --> 00:16:05,798 disrupt freedom of navigation and 353 00:16:05,798 --> 00:16:07,965 overflight in the South and East China 354 00:16:07,965 --> 00:16:09,965 seas to upend the status quo that's 355 00:16:09,965 --> 00:16:12,020 preserved peace and stability across 356 00:16:12,020 --> 00:16:13,742 the Taiwan straits to pressure 357 00:16:13,742 --> 00:16:15,909 countries through economic coercion or 358 00:16:15,909 --> 00:16:18,131 threats to their citizens . Also united 359 00:16:18,131 --> 00:16:20,298 in supporting Ukraine against Russia's 360 00:16:20,298 --> 00:16:22,465 brutal war of aggression . Australia's 361 00:16:22,465 --> 00:16:24,631 assistance continues to be critical of 362 00:16:24,631 --> 00:16:26,853 the fight for Ukraine's sovereignty for 363 00:16:26,853 --> 00:16:26,599 its territorial integrity for its 364 00:16:26,609 --> 00:16:29,159 future . Today , we discussed and 365 00:16:29,169 --> 00:16:31,169 condemned Russia's weaponization of 366 00:16:31,169 --> 00:16:33,280 food including its recent decision to 367 00:16:33,280 --> 00:16:35,225 end participation in the Black Sea 368 00:16:35,225 --> 00:16:37,169 Grain initiative and its continued 369 00:16:37,169 --> 00:16:40,159 bombardment of Ukrainians export 370 00:16:40,169 --> 00:16:42,690 infrastructure . I just note that over 371 00:16:42,700 --> 00:16:46,159 35 million tons of food products have 372 00:16:46,169 --> 00:16:48,169 been exported through the Black Sea 373 00:16:48,179 --> 00:16:49,846 Grain Initiative . That's the 374 00:16:49,846 --> 00:16:51,790 equivalent of 18 billion loaves of 375 00:16:51,790 --> 00:16:55,429 bread . With nearly two thirds going to 376 00:16:55,440 --> 00:16:57,840 the developing world . The decision 377 00:16:57,849 --> 00:16:59,571 made by Russia to tear up this 378 00:16:59,571 --> 00:17:01,460 agreement is hurting millions who 379 00:17:01,460 --> 00:17:03,627 depend on Ukraine's grain and wheat as 380 00:17:03,627 --> 00:17:05,571 well as those even if not directly 381 00:17:05,571 --> 00:17:07,460 receiving that grain of wheat who 382 00:17:07,460 --> 00:17:09,516 benefit from the fact that with that 383 00:17:09,516 --> 00:17:11,738 wheat and grain on markets , prices are 384 00:17:11,738 --> 00:17:13,905 kept in check , kept lower . Finally , 385 00:17:13,905 --> 00:17:16,016 a major focus of our discussion today 386 00:17:16,016 --> 00:17:18,238 was on combating the climate crisis and 387 00:17:18,238 --> 00:17:20,238 accelerating the transformation and 388 00:17:20,238 --> 00:17:22,349 transition to clean energy . And this 389 00:17:22,349 --> 00:17:24,127 is where the Prime Minister and 390 00:17:24,127 --> 00:17:26,660 President Biden uh have together built 391 00:17:26,670 --> 00:17:28,810 the third pillar of the US Australia 392 00:17:28,819 --> 00:17:30,763 alliance alongside our defense and 393 00:17:30,763 --> 00:17:32,986 economic cooperation . Just last week , 394 00:17:33,050 --> 00:17:34,939 Australia joined the first movers 395 00:17:34,939 --> 00:17:37,050 coalition . This is a group of now 13 396 00:17:37,050 --> 00:17:38,994 countries and 85 companies driving 397 00:17:38,994 --> 00:17:40,829 clean energy solutions across 398 00:17:40,839 --> 00:17:42,672 historically emissions intensive 399 00:17:42,672 --> 00:17:44,450 sectors , shipping , trucking , 400 00:17:44,569 --> 00:17:46,569 aviation . We're looking forward to 401 00:17:46,569 --> 00:17:49,719 Australia home to growing hydro solar 402 00:17:49,729 --> 00:17:51,896 and wind energy sectors , bringing its 403 00:17:51,896 --> 00:17:53,840 resources and innovation to bear . 404 00:17:54,680 --> 00:17:56,930 President Biden has said the United 405 00:17:56,939 --> 00:17:59,050 States has no closer or more reliable 406 00:17:59,050 --> 00:18:01,750 ally than Australia today . Uh Austin 407 00:18:01,760 --> 00:18:04,160 builds on our successful past and 408 00:18:04,540 --> 00:18:06,540 guides our work together to build a 409 00:18:06,540 --> 00:18:08,318 stronger , more secure and more 410 00:18:08,318 --> 00:18:10,484 peaceful , all uh world for everyone . 411 00:18:10,484 --> 00:18:12,651 Penny Richard again to you . Thank you 412 00:18:12,651 --> 00:18:14,873 for the partnership . Thank you for the 413 00:18:14,873 --> 00:18:17,096 friendship . I'm also gratified that we 414 00:18:17,096 --> 00:18:18,929 benefit here in Australia from a 415 00:18:18,929 --> 00:18:20,818 remarkable ambassador uh Caroline 416 00:18:20,818 --> 00:18:22,873 Kennedy . Um I'm glad to be with her 417 00:18:22,873 --> 00:18:25,096 and of course , uh a not bad Australian 418 00:18:25,096 --> 00:18:27,262 ambassador in Washington either . It's 419 00:18:27,262 --> 00:18:29,373 wonderful to be with you as well . So 420 00:18:29,373 --> 00:18:31,484 thank you again for a very productive 421 00:18:31,484 --> 00:18:34,699 ministerial . Thanks . Thanks to 422 00:18:35,510 --> 00:18:38,060 Deputy Prime Minister , Mars and former 423 00:18:38,069 --> 00:18:39,791 Minister Wong . Thanks for the 424 00:18:39,791 --> 00:18:42,680 incredible hospitality . It's great to 425 00:18:42,689 --> 00:18:45,750 be back in Brisbane . Uh It's great to 426 00:18:45,760 --> 00:18:49,089 be back in Australia uh especially at 427 00:18:49,099 --> 00:18:53,010 this historic moment in 428 00:18:53,020 --> 00:18:56,359 the progress of our relationship here . 429 00:18:56,770 --> 00:18:59,270 Uh It's a relationship that's uh that's 430 00:18:59,280 --> 00:19:01,949 really , really strong uh between two 431 00:19:01,959 --> 00:19:04,349 strong democracies . Let me add my 432 00:19:04,359 --> 00:19:08,229 voice to all of 433 00:19:08,239 --> 00:19:10,406 my colleagues here and saying that our 434 00:19:10,406 --> 00:19:12,295 thoughts and prayers are with the 435 00:19:12,295 --> 00:19:14,420 Australian Defense Force and the four 436 00:19:14,430 --> 00:19:16,430 Australian service members who were 437 00:19:16,430 --> 00:19:18,263 involved in the helicopter crash 438 00:19:18,263 --> 00:19:21,290 earlier today while supporting exercise . 439 00:19:21,300 --> 00:19:24,180 Talisman Saber United States is 440 00:19:24,189 --> 00:19:26,022 assisting with search and rescue 441 00:19:26,022 --> 00:19:28,329 efforts and we will continue to help in 442 00:19:28,339 --> 00:19:30,561 any way that we can . And I've told the 443 00:19:30,561 --> 00:19:32,728 Deputy Prime Minister that whatever he 444 00:19:32,728 --> 00:19:35,530 needs , we stand ready to provide 445 00:19:35,540 --> 00:19:38,500 assistance , our meetings today 446 00:19:38,510 --> 00:19:40,239 reaffirm the strength of our 447 00:19:40,250 --> 00:19:43,229 unbreakable alliance and the strategic 448 00:19:43,239 --> 00:19:46,089 alignment between our countries has 449 00:19:46,099 --> 00:19:48,880 never been greater . We share a common 450 00:19:48,890 --> 00:19:51,900 vision of a free and open Indo Pacific . 451 00:19:52,760 --> 00:19:56,000 We're committed to investing further in 452 00:19:56,010 --> 00:19:58,170 our alliance to uphold this vision . 453 00:19:59,260 --> 00:20:01,310 The results of today's discussions 454 00:20:01,319 --> 00:20:04,599 represent yet another major step for 455 00:20:04,609 --> 00:20:07,000 our alliance as we work together to 456 00:20:07,010 --> 00:20:09,930 enhance stability and deterrence in the 457 00:20:09,939 --> 00:20:10,939 region . 458 00:20:13,839 --> 00:20:17,430 Cooperation with Australia , upgrading 459 00:20:17,439 --> 00:20:19,383 critical air bases in the northern 460 00:20:19,383 --> 00:20:22,390 territory and pursuing important 461 00:20:22,400 --> 00:20:24,599 infrastructure projects at new 462 00:20:24,609 --> 00:20:27,900 locations and taken together these 463 00:20:27,910 --> 00:20:30,250 initiatives will strengthen our ability 464 00:20:30,260 --> 00:20:32,699 to respond to crisis in the region 465 00:20:32,709 --> 00:20:35,489 while enhancing our interoperability . 466 00:20:36,770 --> 00:20:38,750 And we continue to increase the 467 00:20:38,760 --> 00:20:42,640 rotational presence of us forces in 468 00:20:42,650 --> 00:20:45,790 Australia . This includes maritime 469 00:20:45,800 --> 00:20:47,810 patrol and reconnaissance aircraft 470 00:20:48,410 --> 00:20:50,829 which will enhance our maritime domain 471 00:20:50,839 --> 00:20:53,449 awareness in the region . We're also 472 00:20:53,459 --> 00:20:55,920 introducing new rotations of us , army 473 00:20:55,930 --> 00:20:58,689 watercraft and expeditionary submarine 474 00:20:58,699 --> 00:21:01,900 visits to Australia . These efforts 475 00:21:01,910 --> 00:21:03,540 will bolster deterrents by 476 00:21:03,550 --> 00:21:06,380 strengthening our interoperability and 477 00:21:06,390 --> 00:21:09,079 enhancing our sustainment and logistics 478 00:21:09,089 --> 00:21:11,670 capabilities for critical missions . 479 00:21:12,979 --> 00:21:15,520 Meanwhile , we're establishing an 480 00:21:15,530 --> 00:21:19,099 enduring logistics support area to in 481 00:21:19,750 --> 00:21:21,709 our logistics and sustainment 482 00:21:21,719 --> 00:21:24,619 cooperation and we all 483 00:21:24,859 --> 00:21:28,050 advance our defense ties with other 484 00:21:28,060 --> 00:21:31,900 regional powers . We endorse plans for 485 00:21:31,910 --> 00:21:34,150 enhanced trilateral cooperation with 486 00:21:34,160 --> 00:21:37,050 Japan and Australia which will include 487 00:21:37,060 --> 00:21:40,699 F-35 training and cooperation . We 488 00:21:40,709 --> 00:21:42,320 further agreed to expand our 489 00:21:42,320 --> 00:21:44,969 cooperation in space with our 490 00:21:45,449 --> 00:21:47,569 coordinate more deeply with Australia 491 00:21:47,579 --> 00:21:49,579 in this new domain and an important 492 00:21:49,579 --> 00:21:53,229 domain . Yet success in all these areas 493 00:21:53,239 --> 00:21:55,072 will require that we sharpen our 494 00:21:55,072 --> 00:21:56,439 technological edge , 495 00:21:58,760 --> 00:22:02,099 industrial basis . And that's why we're 496 00:22:02,109 --> 00:22:04,979 pursuing several mutually beneficial 497 00:22:04,989 --> 00:22:08,939 initiatives with the and 498 00:22:08,949 --> 00:22:11,140 these include a commitment , Australia 499 00:22:12,310 --> 00:22:15,229 guided multiple launch rocket systems 500 00:22:15,910 --> 00:22:18,739 or Gimler by 2025 . 501 00:22:19,890 --> 00:22:21,612 And we're racing to accelerate 502 00:22:21,612 --> 00:22:23,560 Australia's access to priority 503 00:22:23,569 --> 00:22:26,109 munitions through a streamlined 504 00:22:26,119 --> 00:22:29,219 acquisition process . We're also 505 00:22:29,229 --> 00:22:31,430 thrilled to announce that we're taking 506 00:22:31,439 --> 00:22:35,209 steps to enable Australia to maintain 507 00:22:35,219 --> 00:22:38,739 repair and overhaul critical us , 508 00:22:39,380 --> 00:22:43,300 us source munitions . Now , that's an 509 00:22:43,310 --> 00:22:47,119 exceptional set of achievements and it 510 00:22:47,130 --> 00:22:49,609 reflects the strength and the ambition 511 00:22:49,619 --> 00:22:52,979 of our alliance . So again , Deputy 512 00:22:52,989 --> 00:22:54,989 Prime Minister , morals and Foreign 513 00:22:54,989 --> 00:22:56,767 Minister Wong , thanks for your 514 00:22:56,767 --> 00:22:59,589 tremendous hospitality and for your 515 00:22:59,599 --> 00:23:01,699 unwavering support for our great 516 00:23:01,709 --> 00:23:04,890 alliance . And thanks for hosting this 517 00:23:04,900 --> 00:23:07,569 year's Oman and Tony and I have agreed 518 00:23:07,579 --> 00:23:10,209 that the next five meetings will be 519 00:23:10,219 --> 00:23:13,819 hosted here as well . Sounds good . Oh , 520 00:23:14,180 --> 00:23:17,150 we're up for that . Thank you Lloyd . 521 00:23:17,280 --> 00:23:19,939 Um So now we are taking questions . Uh 522 00:23:19,949 --> 00:23:22,030 Vivian Salama of the Wall Street 523 00:23:22,040 --> 00:23:25,520 Journal . Great . Thank you . 524 00:23:25,729 --> 00:23:27,729 Thank you so much for having us for 525 00:23:27,729 --> 00:23:29,989 hosting us and uh thanks for bringing 526 00:23:30,000 --> 00:23:32,489 us along for the ride . Uh And I'm 527 00:23:32,500 --> 00:23:35,060 gonna start with you . Sorry . 528 00:23:38,410 --> 00:23:40,869 So himself the country . 529 00:23:42,380 --> 00:23:44,000 Mhm Expanded 530 00:23:45,819 --> 00:23:49,589 technical issue . Ok . All right . 531 00:23:50,260 --> 00:23:52,670 We'll start again in , General 532 00:23:52,680 --> 00:23:54,847 Abdurrahman Siani has declared himself 533 00:23:54,847 --> 00:23:56,958 the country's new leader and said the 534 00:23:56,958 --> 00:23:59,069 constitution is suspended . You spoke 535 00:23:59,069 --> 00:24:00,958 with President Bazo today and you 536 00:24:00,958 --> 00:24:03,089 declared the ongoing US support . 537 00:24:03,199 --> 00:24:05,310 However , the US provides millions in 538 00:24:05,319 --> 00:24:07,810 assistance to and right now , we don't 539 00:24:07,819 --> 00:24:10,369 really know who's running things . I 540 00:24:10,380 --> 00:24:12,602 mean , considering that the US is still 541 00:24:12,602 --> 00:24:14,824 supporting the detained leader . And so 542 00:24:14,824 --> 00:24:17,047 is the US planning to designate this as 543 00:24:17,047 --> 00:24:19,270 a coup and cut off aid to or at least 544 00:24:19,280 --> 00:24:21,613 announce any kind of review of that aid ? 545 00:24:21,613 --> 00:24:23,669 And also if you can update us on the 546 00:24:23,669 --> 00:24:25,836 status of the embassy there and really 547 00:24:25,836 --> 00:24:27,947 quickly please , if you can also just 548 00:24:27,947 --> 00:24:30,169 tell us with regard to Haiti evacuation 549 00:24:30,169 --> 00:24:33,859 of non non government personnel , non 550 00:24:33,869 --> 00:24:36,036 emergency personnel and family members 551 00:24:36,036 --> 00:24:38,202 from Haiti . You have talked about the 552 00:24:38,202 --> 00:24:40,800 importance of a un a un backed military 553 00:24:40,810 --> 00:24:43,349 multinational force to Haiti . What is 554 00:24:43,359 --> 00:24:45,026 the status of that effort and 555 00:24:45,026 --> 00:24:46,637 particularly in light of the 556 00:24:46,637 --> 00:24:48,581 department's recent announcement , 557 00:24:48,581 --> 00:24:51,199 Secretary Austin on to you on Wednesday . 558 00:24:51,209 --> 00:24:53,520 Russian fighters used flares to damage 559 00:24:53,530 --> 00:24:55,697 the wing of a US drone that was flying 560 00:24:55,697 --> 00:24:57,697 over Syria . It was the second time 561 00:24:57,697 --> 00:24:59,697 that A US drone has been damaged by 562 00:24:59,697 --> 00:25:01,808 Russia just this week alone , but the 563 00:25:01,808 --> 00:25:03,974 Pentagon hasn't acknowledged the drone 564 00:25:03,974 --> 00:25:06,197 that that damage damage on Wednesday or 565 00:25:06,197 --> 00:25:08,252 has not released any kind of footage 566 00:25:08,252 --> 00:25:10,369 about that confrontation ? So are you 567 00:25:10,380 --> 00:25:12,436 going to release any video of that ? 568 00:25:12,436 --> 00:25:14,324 And do you plan to continue drone 569 00:25:14,324 --> 00:25:16,491 flights in Northwest Syria ? And if so 570 00:25:16,491 --> 00:25:18,819 what is the longer term plan to deter 571 00:25:18,829 --> 00:25:20,849 any kind of Russian attacks on US 572 00:25:20,859 --> 00:25:23,800 drones over there ? Uh Minister Miles 573 00:25:23,810 --> 00:25:26,969 um is this one question , is this one 574 00:25:26,979 --> 00:25:29,090 question ? I just want the Australian 575 00:25:29,090 --> 00:25:30,868 journalists to know , we're not 576 00:25:30,868 --> 00:25:32,812 adopting this as a , as a modus of 577 00:25:32,812 --> 00:25:35,119 Operetta . One extended question . 578 00:25:36,510 --> 00:25:38,859 Lots of paragraph . We're impressed . 579 00:25:38,869 --> 00:25:41,091 Thank you very much . I think Secretary 580 00:25:41,091 --> 00:25:42,647 Blinn is quite used to it . 581 00:25:45,250 --> 00:25:47,660 Uh I just wanted to ask you about um 582 00:25:47,670 --> 00:25:51,209 the , the pushback in Congress at the 583 00:25:51,219 --> 00:25:53,069 moment um with regard to um 584 00:25:53,079 --> 00:25:55,023 particularly with regard to export 585 00:25:55,023 --> 00:25:57,135 controls . Do you feel confident that 586 00:25:57,135 --> 00:25:59,190 you've at least secured enough short 587 00:25:59,190 --> 00:26:01,246 term commitments and deliveries from 588 00:26:01,246 --> 00:26:03,357 the US to offset any potential delays 589 00:26:03,357 --> 00:26:05,523 that might come about because of as it 590 00:26:05,523 --> 00:26:07,468 makes its way through Congress and 591 00:26:07,468 --> 00:26:09,635 Minister Wong , are you concerned that 592 00:26:09,635 --> 00:26:09,094 us , politics is getting in the way of 593 00:26:09,104 --> 00:26:10,882 your national security and what 594 00:26:10,882 --> 00:26:13,104 assurances have you received today that 595 00:26:13,104 --> 00:26:15,104 this deal will proceed particularly 596 00:26:15,104 --> 00:26:17,215 given the current political divisions 597 00:26:17,215 --> 00:26:19,437 in our chambers of Congress ? And ? Mhm 598 00:26:19,437 --> 00:26:21,849 Thank you . I'm done . Congratulations . 599 00:26:22,800 --> 00:26:24,910 So let's see , starting from the 600 00:26:24,920 --> 00:26:26,920 beginning . I think it , I think it 601 00:26:26,920 --> 00:26:29,087 started with me . Thank you , Vivian . 602 00:26:29,087 --> 00:26:31,142 Um First with regard to . Um I spoke 603 00:26:31,142 --> 00:26:33,087 again uh this morning here uh with 604 00:26:33,087 --> 00:26:35,309 President Bazo . Uh I've spoken as well 605 00:26:35,309 --> 00:26:38,310 with uh former president , uh spoken 606 00:26:38,319 --> 00:26:40,375 with other um colleagues , including 607 00:26:40,375 --> 00:26:42,609 our French colleagues . Uh Our team has 608 00:26:42,619 --> 00:26:45,400 been deeply engaged with um multiple 609 00:26:45,410 --> 00:26:47,729 countries in the region as well as 610 00:26:47,739 --> 00:26:50,180 critical organizations like like the 611 00:26:50,189 --> 00:26:53,910 African Union . Uh and we are united 612 00:26:54,719 --> 00:26:56,719 in condemning the actions that have 613 00:26:56,719 --> 00:26:59,099 taken place in , calling for the 614 00:26:59,109 --> 00:27:01,229 immediate release of President Bazo , 615 00:27:01,819 --> 00:27:03,930 calling for the immediate restoration 616 00:27:03,930 --> 00:27:07,489 of the Democratic order in . And 617 00:27:07,640 --> 00:27:09,918 let me be very , very clear about this . 618 00:27:09,918 --> 00:27:11,418 As I have been in my phone 619 00:27:11,418 --> 00:27:13,660 conversations , our economic and 620 00:27:13,670 --> 00:27:15,726 security partnership with , which is 621 00:27:15,726 --> 00:27:17,837 significant , hundreds of millions of 622 00:27:17,837 --> 00:27:21,660 dollars depends on the continuation of 623 00:27:21,670 --> 00:27:23,337 the democratic governance and 624 00:27:23,337 --> 00:27:25,281 constitutional order that has been 625 00:27:25,281 --> 00:27:27,739 disrupted uh by uh the actions in the 626 00:27:27,750 --> 00:27:30,920 last uh in the last few days . So uh 627 00:27:30,930 --> 00:27:34,930 that assistance , that support is in 628 00:27:34,939 --> 00:27:36,939 clear jeopardy as a result of these 629 00:27:36,939 --> 00:27:39,050 actions , which is another reason why 630 00:27:39,050 --> 00:27:41,217 they need to be immediately reversed . 631 00:27:41,569 --> 00:27:43,839 We very much support . The efforts of 632 00:27:43,989 --> 00:27:46,770 eco was the African Union , other 633 00:27:46,780 --> 00:27:49,280 governments in the region to mediate 634 00:27:49,290 --> 00:27:51,750 this crisis . And again , to make sure 635 00:27:51,760 --> 00:27:54,380 that the democratic order is restored , 636 00:27:54,599 --> 00:27:56,821 that's our focus . I can't get into the 637 00:27:56,821 --> 00:28:00,160 specifics about what might be 638 00:28:01,500 --> 00:28:03,750 assessed as a legal matter . But 639 00:28:03,760 --> 00:28:06,939 regardless of what we call this , the 640 00:28:06,949 --> 00:28:09,116 fact remains that the very significant 641 00:28:09,116 --> 00:28:11,449 assistance that we have in place and 642 00:28:11,459 --> 00:28:13,626 that's making a material difference in 643 00:28:13,626 --> 00:28:15,737 the lives of the people of is clearly 644 00:28:15,737 --> 00:28:17,792 in jeopardy . And we've communicated 645 00:28:17,792 --> 00:28:19,903 that as clearly as we possibly can to 646 00:28:19,903 --> 00:28:22,469 those responsible for disrupting the 647 00:28:22,479 --> 00:28:24,312 constitutional order and Niger's 648 00:28:24,312 --> 00:28:26,479 democracy with regard to our Embassy , 649 00:28:26,479 --> 00:28:30,109 of course , security of our 650 00:28:30,119 --> 00:28:32,449 embassy of our personnel . Um We 651 00:28:32,459 --> 00:28:35,969 released a security alert that advises 652 00:28:35,979 --> 00:28:38,680 us citizens to limit any unnecessary 653 00:28:38,689 --> 00:28:40,856 movements to avoid the affected area . 654 00:28:40,856 --> 00:28:42,739 Until further notice . As this 655 00:28:42,750 --> 00:28:45,040 situation develops , the embassy itself 656 00:28:45,050 --> 00:28:47,160 uh immediately conducted an 657 00:28:47,170 --> 00:28:49,337 accountability check to make sure that 658 00:28:49,337 --> 00:28:51,559 all official members of our community , 659 00:28:51,559 --> 00:28:53,559 family members were accounted for . 660 00:28:53,559 --> 00:28:55,640 They are . Uh and we're taking as we 661 00:28:55,650 --> 00:28:58,339 always do every necessary precaution uh 662 00:28:58,349 --> 00:29:00,516 to make sure that everyone is safe and 663 00:29:00,516 --> 00:29:04,199 secure with regard to Haiti . We have 664 00:29:04,209 --> 00:29:06,209 very deep concern for the situation 665 00:29:06,209 --> 00:29:08,540 there , particularly with regard to 666 00:29:08,550 --> 00:29:11,260 violence and the activities of uh of 667 00:29:11,270 --> 00:29:13,650 the gangs . Uh We are as I think , you 668 00:29:13,660 --> 00:29:15,771 know , the largest humanitarian donor 669 00:29:15,771 --> 00:29:18,020 to Haiti , but we are also very focused 670 00:29:18,030 --> 00:29:21,619 on uh working together with partners to 671 00:29:21,630 --> 00:29:23,463 try to help the Haitians restore 672 00:29:23,540 --> 00:29:25,484 security resource stability . That 673 00:29:25,484 --> 00:29:27,651 really is the necessary foundation for 674 00:29:27,651 --> 00:29:29,484 being able to make progress on a 675 00:29:29,484 --> 00:29:32,339 political way forward . Uh as well as 676 00:29:32,349 --> 00:29:34,016 making sure that humanitarian 677 00:29:34,016 --> 00:29:36,238 assistance can actually get to those in 678 00:29:36,238 --> 00:29:38,293 need . So we've been very focused on 679 00:29:38,293 --> 00:29:41,640 trying to put in place what's necessary 680 00:29:41,650 --> 00:29:43,650 for a multinational force including 681 00:29:43,650 --> 00:29:45,880 finding a lead nation to take this on . 682 00:29:46,060 --> 00:29:48,430 And my expectation is that we will have 683 00:29:48,439 --> 00:29:50,661 some progress to report on that uh very 684 00:29:50,661 --> 00:29:51,661 soon 685 00:29:54,520 --> 00:29:57,550 regarding the irresponsible and 686 00:29:57,560 --> 00:29:59,671 dangerous behavior on the part of the 687 00:29:59,671 --> 00:30:01,671 Russians , we call upon the Russian 688 00:30:01,671 --> 00:30:04,819 leadership to make sure that they issue 689 00:30:04,829 --> 00:30:08,459 guidance to their troops to abide 690 00:30:08,469 --> 00:30:11,339 by the laws of the sky and make sure 691 00:30:11,349 --> 00:30:14,780 that they cease this 692 00:30:14,790 --> 00:30:17,170 irresponsible behavior . We'll continue 693 00:30:17,180 --> 00:30:19,250 to engage , using the established 694 00:30:19,260 --> 00:30:22,699 channels to convey our concern 695 00:30:23,020 --> 00:30:25,910 and and we will continue to engage 696 00:30:25,920 --> 00:30:28,589 senior leadership as appropriate But 697 00:30:28,599 --> 00:30:31,890 again , we will continue to operate as 698 00:30:31,900 --> 00:30:34,400 we have always operated in the , in the 699 00:30:34,410 --> 00:30:37,180 air spaces and we will protect our 700 00:30:37,189 --> 00:30:39,245 interest and our and our resources . 701 00:30:41,890 --> 00:30:44,112 Uh Well , perhaps the starting point is 702 00:30:44,112 --> 00:30:47,130 that um in addition to our roles as 703 00:30:47,140 --> 00:30:49,500 ministers , uh Penny and I are both 704 00:30:49,510 --> 00:30:51,560 legislators . And so we very much 705 00:30:51,569 --> 00:30:53,513 understand the heat and light that 706 00:30:53,513 --> 00:30:55,625 comes with the passage of legislation 707 00:30:55,625 --> 00:30:57,780 through parliament . Um And we are 708 00:30:57,790 --> 00:30:59,901 completely sanguine about what we are 709 00:30:59,901 --> 00:31:02,089 seeing in America and understand that 710 00:31:02,099 --> 00:31:04,339 that is just part of the process . Um 711 00:31:04,349 --> 00:31:08,280 We are absolutely assured by uh Tony 712 00:31:08,290 --> 00:31:10,520 and Lloyd , but but also , in fact , by 713 00:31:10,609 --> 00:31:12,498 the efforts that we've undertaken 714 00:31:12,498 --> 00:31:15,189 ourselves in speaking with those on the 715 00:31:15,199 --> 00:31:18,140 hill , uh that there is a bipartisan 716 00:31:18,150 --> 00:31:21,099 commitment to Australia , acquiring the 717 00:31:21,109 --> 00:31:23,359 capability to operate nuclear powered 718 00:31:23,369 --> 00:31:25,202 submarines . Because what that , 719 00:31:25,202 --> 00:31:27,258 because of what that will mean in in 720 00:31:27,258 --> 00:31:29,880 terms of advancing the American 721 00:31:29,890 --> 00:31:32,057 strategic interest , but obviously the 722 00:31:32,057 --> 00:31:34,112 joint strategic interest between our 723 00:31:34,112 --> 00:31:35,946 two countries and we couldn't be 724 00:31:35,946 --> 00:31:39,280 happier with the progress in which the , 725 00:31:39,290 --> 00:31:42,189 the the optimal pathway is being walked . 726 00:31:42,310 --> 00:31:44,532 Uh We are going to see in the very near 727 00:31:44,532 --> 00:31:47,109 future um increased visits and we 728 00:31:47,119 --> 00:31:49,119 already have seen , but we will see 729 00:31:49,119 --> 00:31:51,341 more visits uh of nuclear power Marines 730 00:31:51,341 --> 00:31:53,540 to Australia , which is really the the 731 00:31:53,550 --> 00:31:56,739 first steps in uh walking the path of 732 00:31:56,750 --> 00:31:58,861 Australia , developing the capability 733 00:31:58,861 --> 00:32:00,972 to operate nuclear powered submarines 734 00:32:00,972 --> 00:32:03,194 ourselves . We are working closely with 735 00:32:03,194 --> 00:32:05,250 the US in relation to training um as 736 00:32:05,250 --> 00:32:08,910 Lloyd referred to earlier and uh and in 737 00:32:08,920 --> 00:32:10,770 terms of developing our own 738 00:32:10,780 --> 00:32:13,119 infrastructure and industrial base . Um 739 00:32:13,130 --> 00:32:15,150 So we're really confident about the 740 00:32:15,160 --> 00:32:18,439 progress of this . Um the way in which 741 00:32:18,449 --> 00:32:20,560 Congress operates is the way in which 742 00:32:20,560 --> 00:32:22,782 Congress operates . But in fact , we're 743 00:32:22,782 --> 00:32:24,949 actually encouraged by the progress of 744 00:32:24,949 --> 00:32:27,171 this legislation through the Congress . 745 00:32:27,171 --> 00:32:29,171 Can I just reaffirm that confidence 746 00:32:29,171 --> 00:32:31,282 because um I think it is important to 747 00:32:31,282 --> 00:32:33,505 note this is a process . Congress has a 748 00:32:33,505 --> 00:32:35,616 vital role to play in that uh in that 749 00:32:35,616 --> 00:32:37,838 process . And we're working through the 750 00:32:37,838 --> 00:32:39,930 details , but there is robust 751 00:32:40,329 --> 00:32:42,680 bipartisan support and a commitment to 752 00:32:42,689 --> 00:32:46,109 move forward . Well , I think the , the 753 00:32:46,119 --> 00:32:48,286 question to me has been answered , I'd 754 00:32:48,286 --> 00:32:50,063 simply again , reiterate we are 755 00:32:50,063 --> 00:32:53,150 confident uh in and gratified by the 756 00:32:53,160 --> 00:32:55,382 clear bipartisan support which has been 757 00:32:55,382 --> 00:32:57,104 articulated in respect of orca 758 00:32:57,104 --> 00:32:59,239 including from Sydney congressional 759 00:32:59,250 --> 00:33:01,306 leadership . Uh And the second point 760 00:33:01,306 --> 00:33:03,361 I'd make is the point that we've all 761 00:33:03,361 --> 00:33:06,560 been engaged with , which is this is in 762 00:33:06,569 --> 00:33:09,410 both our country's interests . And so 763 00:33:09,420 --> 00:33:11,642 we understand , as Richard said , we're 764 00:33:11,642 --> 00:33:14,010 both legislators . There's always uh 765 00:33:14,369 --> 00:33:17,160 you know , some uh uh some attention 766 00:33:17,170 --> 00:33:19,959 paid to discussions during negotiations . 767 00:33:19,969 --> 00:33:23,770 But ultimately , uh what is uh before 768 00:33:23,780 --> 00:33:27,310 us uh is a shared endeavor that is in 769 00:33:27,319 --> 00:33:30,589 both nations interests . Matthew NOTT 770 00:33:39,170 --> 00:33:41,380 uh following on from that topic . Uh 771 00:33:41,390 --> 00:33:43,699 But really uh to you , Secretary Austin 772 00:33:43,709 --> 00:33:46,089 to the substance of the Republican 773 00:33:46,099 --> 00:33:48,150 senators uh that they raised in the 774 00:33:48,160 --> 00:33:50,400 letter you know , they say that uh 775 00:33:50,410 --> 00:33:52,299 there just simply isn't enough of 776 00:33:52,299 --> 00:33:54,410 domestic capacity for uh shipbuilding 777 00:33:54,410 --> 00:33:56,299 of submarines in America . Is the 778 00:33:56,299 --> 00:33:58,521 administration willing to provide , you 779 00:33:58,521 --> 00:34:00,688 know , potentially billions of dollars 780 00:34:00,688 --> 00:34:02,632 in more funding uh for domestic uh 781 00:34:02,632 --> 00:34:05,560 capacity to ensure that the support for 782 00:34:05,579 --> 00:34:07,357 a and the submarine transfer to 783 00:34:07,357 --> 00:34:10,330 Australia is genuinely uh bipartisan uh 784 00:34:10,340 --> 00:34:13,600 and sec uh to Minister Wong and uh 785 00:34:13,610 --> 00:34:15,919 Secretary Blinken about uh Julian as 786 00:34:15,929 --> 00:34:18,370 the Julian Assange case . Uh Did you 787 00:34:18,379 --> 00:34:20,546 raise this with your counterparts ? Uh 788 00:34:20,546 --> 00:34:22,919 Minister Wong and is Australia becoming 789 00:34:22,929 --> 00:34:25,199 frustrated from publicly , what we see 790 00:34:25,209 --> 00:34:27,320 as a lack of progress on this issue ? 791 00:34:27,350 --> 00:34:29,879 Uh And from Secretary uh Blinken , I 792 00:34:29,889 --> 00:34:31,611 think Australians will be very 793 00:34:31,611 --> 00:34:33,778 interested in the American perspective 794 00:34:33,778 --> 00:34:35,889 on this issue . We've heard our Prime 795 00:34:35,889 --> 00:34:38,000 Minister say that he thinks it's time 796 00:34:38,000 --> 00:34:37,790 for this matter to be brought to a 797 00:34:37,800 --> 00:34:40,979 close uh this involved sensitive uh 798 00:34:40,989 --> 00:34:43,659 diplomatic and military information . 799 00:34:43,669 --> 00:34:46,699 Uh But many Australians I believe uh 800 00:34:46,709 --> 00:34:49,610 think that it's frankly unfair that the 801 00:34:49,620 --> 00:34:52,120 American ah military officer who leaked 802 00:34:52,129 --> 00:34:54,520 the information is free while uh an 803 00:34:54,530 --> 00:34:56,698 Australian is still being are 804 00:34:56,708 --> 00:34:59,398 persecuted through the justice system . 805 00:35:01,020 --> 00:35:02,120 Uh regarding a uh 806 00:35:04,639 --> 00:35:07,810 I am confident that there will continue 807 00:35:07,820 --> 00:35:10,080 to be strong bipartisan support for 808 00:35:10,090 --> 00:35:12,750 this initiative . This initiative as 809 00:35:12,760 --> 00:35:14,649 you know , creates a generational 810 00:35:14,649 --> 00:35:18,290 capability and , and again , it helps 811 00:35:18,300 --> 00:35:22,060 us to realize our shared vision of a 812 00:35:22,070 --> 00:35:25,189 free and free and open Indo Pacific . 813 00:35:25,629 --> 00:35:29,370 And so I think it's recognized 814 00:35:29,379 --> 00:35:31,459 across the board that this is a 815 00:35:31,469 --> 00:35:34,429 capability that will add value to all 816 00:35:34,439 --> 00:35:36,709 of our efforts in terms of our 817 00:35:36,719 --> 00:35:40,330 investment in our industrial base . As 818 00:35:40,340 --> 00:35:43,590 we embarked upon this endeavor , we're 819 00:35:43,600 --> 00:35:46,209 confident that we are placing the right 820 00:35:46,219 --> 00:35:48,209 amount of investment into the 821 00:35:48,219 --> 00:35:51,840 industrial base . But again , uh 822 00:35:51,850 --> 00:35:54,560 we will continue to make sure that all 823 00:35:54,570 --> 00:35:56,792 the pieces are in place as we proceed . 824 00:35:56,792 --> 00:35:58,792 And I have great confidence that uh 825 00:35:58,792 --> 00:36:00,959 that we have the ability to create the 826 00:36:00,959 --> 00:36:04,580 capability that we're going after the 827 00:36:04,590 --> 00:36:06,899 question in relation to Mr Assange , I 828 00:36:06,909 --> 00:36:09,659 have answered this question , I think 829 00:36:09,669 --> 00:36:11,689 probably also from you Matthew on a 830 00:36:11,699 --> 00:36:14,229 number of occasions and I would make 831 00:36:14,239 --> 00:36:16,239 three points . The first is we have 832 00:36:16,250 --> 00:36:19,429 made clear of you that Mr Assange's 833 00:36:19,530 --> 00:36:22,229 case has dragged on for too long and I 834 00:36:22,239 --> 00:36:24,510 desire that it be brought to a 835 00:36:24,520 --> 00:36:26,742 conclusion and we've said that publicly 836 00:36:26,742 --> 00:36:28,798 and you would anticipate that , that 837 00:36:28,798 --> 00:36:30,464 reflects also the position we 838 00:36:30,464 --> 00:36:34,239 articulate in private . I've also said 839 00:36:34,250 --> 00:36:36,750 that obviously that we do what we can 840 00:36:36,760 --> 00:36:38,816 government to government , but there 841 00:36:38,816 --> 00:36:40,816 are limits until Mr Assange's legal 842 00:36:40,816 --> 00:36:42,982 processes have concluded . And there's 843 00:36:42,982 --> 00:36:45,080 a footnote , I would make this point 844 00:36:45,090 --> 00:36:48,689 that the case you reference had had got 845 00:36:48,699 --> 00:36:50,939 to a different point in terms of legal 846 00:36:50,949 --> 00:36:52,949 proceedings . And my final point is 847 00:36:52,949 --> 00:36:55,159 that I understand Mr Assange has filed 848 00:36:55,169 --> 00:36:57,350 a renewal of appeal application in the 849 00:36:57,360 --> 00:36:59,471 UK , the Australian government is not 850 00:36:59,471 --> 00:37:01,527 party to these legal proceedings and 851 00:37:01,527 --> 00:37:03,749 nor can we intervene with them . Having 852 00:37:03,749 --> 00:37:05,971 said that we will continue to offer him 853 00:37:05,971 --> 00:37:08,082 consular assistance and to convey our 854 00:37:08,082 --> 00:37:11,139 expectations about his treatment um 855 00:37:12,120 --> 00:37:16,000 as a general matter policy , we don't 856 00:37:16,010 --> 00:37:19,159 really comment on extradition matters 857 00:37:19,169 --> 00:37:22,139 uh extradition proceedings . Um And so , 858 00:37:22,149 --> 00:37:24,205 II , I really would refer you to our 859 00:37:24,205 --> 00:37:26,371 Department of Justice for , for any uh 860 00:37:26,371 --> 00:37:28,760 questions about the status of uh the 861 00:37:28,770 --> 00:37:32,719 criminal case . So with the or the uh 862 00:37:32,729 --> 00:37:35,919 uh the other person in question . Um 863 00:37:36,030 --> 00:37:38,719 And II , I really do understand and can 864 00:37:38,729 --> 00:37:40,951 certainly confirm what penny said about 865 00:37:40,951 --> 00:37:43,173 the fact that this matter was raised uh 866 00:37:43,173 --> 00:37:45,507 with us as , as it has been in the past . 867 00:37:45,507 --> 00:37:47,229 And I understand the um uh the 868 00:37:47,229 --> 00:37:49,229 sensitivities , I understand the uh 869 00:37:49,320 --> 00:37:51,679 concerns and views of uh of Australians . 870 00:37:51,689 --> 00:37:53,919 I think it's very important that uh our 871 00:37:53,929 --> 00:37:57,419 friends here understand our concerns 872 00:37:57,840 --> 00:37:59,790 about this matter and what our 873 00:37:59,800 --> 00:38:01,967 Department of Justice has already said 874 00:38:01,967 --> 00:38:04,729 repeatedly publicly is this 875 00:38:05,689 --> 00:38:08,820 Mr Assange was charged with very 876 00:38:08,830 --> 00:38:11,489 serious criminal conduct in the United 877 00:38:11,500 --> 00:38:13,830 States in connection with his alleged 878 00:38:13,840 --> 00:38:16,419 role in one of the largest compromises 879 00:38:16,860 --> 00:38:18,693 of classified information in the 880 00:38:18,693 --> 00:38:21,810 history of our country . The actions 881 00:38:21,820 --> 00:38:24,239 that he is alleged to have committed , 882 00:38:24,500 --> 00:38:28,179 risked very serious harm to our 883 00:38:28,189 --> 00:38:30,411 national security to the benefit of our 884 00:38:30,411 --> 00:38:34,310 adversaries and put named human sources 885 00:38:34,959 --> 00:38:37,540 at grave risk , grave risk of physical 886 00:38:37,550 --> 00:38:41,169 harm , grave risk of detention . So I 887 00:38:41,179 --> 00:38:43,250 say that only because just as we 888 00:38:43,260 --> 00:38:45,610 understand sensitivities here , it's 889 00:38:45,620 --> 00:38:48,189 important that our friends understand 890 00:38:48,199 --> 00:38:50,255 sensitivities in the United States , 891 00:38:50,870 --> 00:38:52,520 Liz Fry on Fox News . 892 00:38:57,629 --> 00:38:59,800 Thank you so much for doing this . Um 893 00:38:59,870 --> 00:39:02,092 My first question and I have a question 894 00:39:02,092 --> 00:39:04,314 for all four of you . My first question 895 00:39:04,314 --> 00:39:06,709 is for Deputy Prime Minister Mars , do 896 00:39:06,719 --> 00:39:08,941 you believe China will invade Taiwan in 897 00:39:08,941 --> 00:39:10,909 2027 ? And is the point of these 898 00:39:10,919 --> 00:39:13,419 talisman saber war games to train to 899 00:39:13,429 --> 00:39:16,090 act on a potential invasion ? My second 900 00:39:16,100 --> 00:39:18,322 question is for Foreign Minister Wang , 901 00:39:18,322 --> 00:39:20,544 are you concerned about the timeline of 902 00:39:20,544 --> 00:39:22,767 the Aus agreement since Australia won't 903 00:39:22,767 --> 00:39:25,100 get the nuclear powered subs until 2027 ? 904 00:39:25,100 --> 00:39:27,379 Will these nuclear powered subs still 905 00:39:27,389 --> 00:39:29,722 help deter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan ? 906 00:39:29,790 --> 00:39:31,957 Kind of bounces off the first question 907 00:39:32,419 --> 00:39:36,389 for Secretary Lincoln is 908 00:39:36,399 --> 00:39:38,510 the Russian Defense Minister in North 909 00:39:38,510 --> 00:39:40,750 Korea to buy weapons for Ukraine for 910 00:39:40,760 --> 00:39:42,816 Russia to use in Ukraine . That is , 911 00:39:42,816 --> 00:39:44,982 and have you seen any signs that China 912 00:39:44,982 --> 00:39:47,149 is providing weapons to Russia ? An OD 913 00:39:47,149 --> 00:39:49,840 report that came out recently said that 914 00:39:49,850 --> 00:39:51,794 China has sent millions of dollars 915 00:39:51,794 --> 00:39:53,739 worth of drones and drone parts to 916 00:39:53,739 --> 00:39:55,961 Russia to use in its war ? Where do you 917 00:39:55,961 --> 00:39:58,080 draw the line between sending these 918 00:39:58,090 --> 00:40:00,034 drone parts and drones and sending 919 00:40:00,034 --> 00:40:02,149 actual weapons ? My last question is 920 00:40:02,159 --> 00:40:04,280 for Secretary Austin , the first 921 00:40:04,290 --> 00:40:06,346 presidential drawdown for Taiwan was 922 00:40:06,346 --> 00:40:08,457 announced earlier today . Do you have 923 00:40:08,457 --> 00:40:10,568 any concerns transferring air defense 924 00:40:10,568 --> 00:40:12,679 systems to Taiwan could impact weapon 925 00:40:12,679 --> 00:40:15,810 supplies for Ukraine ? Uh Well , thank 926 00:40:15,820 --> 00:40:18,120 you , Liz . Um Firstly , I'm not gonna 927 00:40:18,129 --> 00:40:20,240 uh speculate about the future and the 928 00:40:20,240 --> 00:40:23,399 way that you have asked . Um , exercise . 929 00:40:23,409 --> 00:40:25,550 Talisman Saber has been around for a 930 00:40:25,560 --> 00:40:29,310 long time . Uh You can't have a capable 931 00:40:29,320 --> 00:40:31,376 defense force without it being match 932 00:40:31,376 --> 00:40:33,598 fit and it can't be match fit unless it 933 00:40:33,598 --> 00:40:36,530 engages in training and exercises an 934 00:40:36,540 --> 00:40:38,679 exercise . Talisman Saber is the most 935 00:40:38,689 --> 00:40:40,856 important exercise that the Australian 936 00:40:40,856 --> 00:40:43,022 defense force engages in on a biennial 937 00:40:43,022 --> 00:40:46,010 basis . Um It began its life uh many 938 00:40:46,020 --> 00:40:48,750 years ago uh as a bilateral exercise 939 00:40:48,840 --> 00:40:51,173 between the United States and Australia . 940 00:40:51,173 --> 00:40:53,284 And as I mentioned earlier remains as 941 00:40:53,284 --> 00:40:55,340 such , albeit that it now involves a 942 00:40:55,340 --> 00:40:56,896 number of other countries . 943 00:40:56,896 --> 00:40:59,118 Fundamentally . Talisman Saber is about 944 00:40:59,118 --> 00:41:01,340 us . I mean , it's about the Australian 945 00:41:01,340 --> 00:41:03,562 defense force and the US defense forces 946 00:41:03,562 --> 00:41:05,673 about making sure that we are capable 947 00:41:06,750 --> 00:41:08,917 skills and capacities that our defense 948 00:41:08,917 --> 00:41:11,449 forces have . But importantly that we 949 00:41:11,459 --> 00:41:13,403 are capable in terms of the way in 950 00:41:13,403 --> 00:41:15,750 which we operate together and that our 951 00:41:15,760 --> 00:41:18,120 interoperability is the highest level . 952 00:41:19,080 --> 00:41:22,070 Um We greatly value uh exercise 953 00:41:22,080 --> 00:41:24,350 talisman Saber . We greatly value the 954 00:41:24,360 --> 00:41:26,760 opportunity to work with the United 955 00:41:26,770 --> 00:41:29,060 States defense forces through it and 956 00:41:29,070 --> 00:41:31,181 the commitment that they make to it . 957 00:41:31,229 --> 00:41:33,459 Um And at the end of the day , what it 958 00:41:33,469 --> 00:41:36,639 is about is making sure that Australia 959 00:41:36,649 --> 00:41:38,593 and obviously America has the most 960 00:41:38,593 --> 00:41:40,482 capable defense force that we can 961 00:41:40,482 --> 00:41:42,860 possibly have . Uh I'll pick up that 962 00:41:42,870 --> 00:41:44,981 last point , the most capable defense 963 00:41:44,981 --> 00:41:47,092 force we can possibly have because it 964 00:41:47,092 --> 00:41:49,259 really goes to your question . Uh So , 965 00:41:49,259 --> 00:41:51,481 uh the work that we do the work that we 966 00:41:51,481 --> 00:41:53,648 have done today , the work we do every 967 00:41:53,648 --> 00:41:56,239 day . Uh uh The four individuals here 968 00:41:56,250 --> 00:41:59,000 and the very many wonderful individuals 969 00:41:59,010 --> 00:42:01,232 who are officials in the departments in 970 00:42:01,232 --> 00:42:04,030 the nations we represent . We work to 971 00:42:04,040 --> 00:42:06,409 ensure peace and stability in our 972 00:42:06,419 --> 00:42:08,419 region . We work to ensure that our 973 00:42:08,419 --> 00:42:10,909 region enables prosperity . We work to 974 00:42:10,919 --> 00:42:12,975 ensure a region . I think we use the 975 00:42:12,975 --> 00:42:14,697 phrase in which sovereignty is 976 00:42:14,697 --> 00:42:18,250 respected . Uh uh Tony talked about 977 00:42:18,739 --> 00:42:20,906 being free to choose , but that is the 978 00:42:20,906 --> 00:42:22,750 logic . And so whether it's the 979 00:42:22,760 --> 00:42:26,129 development , the acquisition uh of uh 980 00:42:26,139 --> 00:42:29,179 the orca submarine capability or all of 981 00:42:29,189 --> 00:42:31,356 the other capabilities in which we are 982 00:42:31,356 --> 00:42:33,522 engaged both in uh Richard and Lloyd's 983 00:42:33,522 --> 00:42:36,250 portfolios or the work that we do uh in 984 00:42:36,260 --> 00:42:39,600 the diplomatic area , we are focused on 985 00:42:39,610 --> 00:42:43,540 that objective . Uh So uh I , I'm not 986 00:42:43,550 --> 00:42:45,550 gonna like let Richard get into the 987 00:42:45,550 --> 00:42:47,661 sort of um sonari that you've plotted 988 00:42:47,661 --> 00:42:49,772 out . But what I'd say to you is we , 989 00:42:49,772 --> 00:42:52,199 we see this as uh increasing the 990 00:42:52,209 --> 00:42:56,120 capability of our nations uh across 991 00:42:56,129 --> 00:42:58,699 many domains of which one critically 992 00:42:58,709 --> 00:43:00,959 important one is submarines . Uh But it 993 00:43:00,969 --> 00:43:04,540 is not the only uh let me just say 994 00:43:04,550 --> 00:43:06,772 before responding to the , the question 995 00:43:06,772 --> 00:43:08,883 you addressed to me , I think what um 996 00:43:08,883 --> 00:43:10,994 you just heard in the question you've 997 00:43:10,994 --> 00:43:12,717 raised with my colleagues just 998 00:43:12,717 --> 00:43:14,883 underscores the absolute imperative of 999 00:43:14,883 --> 00:43:17,106 working to maintain the status quo when 1000 00:43:17,106 --> 00:43:19,328 it comes to Taiwan and making sure that 1001 00:43:19,328 --> 00:43:21,494 no one engages in actions unilaterally 1002 00:43:21,494 --> 00:43:23,810 that could disrupt that , that status 1003 00:43:23,820 --> 00:43:25,931 quo . That's what all of us are , are 1004 00:43:25,931 --> 00:43:29,459 focused on with regard to reports of 1005 00:43:29,469 --> 00:43:31,909 the Russian Defense Minister in North 1006 00:43:31,919 --> 00:43:34,389 Korea . I strongly doubt he's there on 1007 00:43:34,399 --> 00:43:38,330 holiday . So what are we 1008 00:43:38,340 --> 00:43:39,951 seeing ? We're seeing Russia 1009 00:43:39,979 --> 00:43:42,649 desperately looking for support for 1010 00:43:42,659 --> 00:43:44,715 weapons wherever it can find them to 1011 00:43:44,715 --> 00:43:46,770 continue to prosecute its aggression 1012 00:43:46,770 --> 00:43:48,899 against Ukraine . And we see that in 1013 00:43:48,909 --> 00:43:51,076 North Korea , we see that as well with 1014 00:43:51,076 --> 00:43:54,659 Iran which has provided many drones 1015 00:43:55,040 --> 00:43:57,096 to Russia that it's using to destroy 1016 00:43:57,096 --> 00:43:58,929 civilian infrastructure and kill 1017 00:43:58,929 --> 00:44:02,899 civilians . Um In Ukraine , China 1018 00:44:02,909 --> 00:44:06,360 has assured us repeatedly and not just 1019 00:44:06,370 --> 00:44:09,489 us many other countries that it is not 1020 00:44:09,500 --> 00:44:12,000 providing material lethal assistance to 1021 00:44:12,010 --> 00:44:14,232 Russia for use in Ukraine . And we take 1022 00:44:14,232 --> 00:44:16,454 those assurances very seriously . We do 1023 00:44:16,454 --> 00:44:19,100 have concerns about individual entities 1024 00:44:19,469 --> 00:44:21,510 providing technology , dual use 1025 00:44:21,520 --> 00:44:24,820 technology that can be used among other 1026 00:44:24,830 --> 00:44:27,709 things for drones and other kinds of 1027 00:44:27,719 --> 00:44:30,629 weapons to be used in Ukraine . It's a 1028 00:44:30,639 --> 00:44:32,695 concern that we've we've shared with 1029 00:44:32,695 --> 00:44:36,239 Beijing and look to them to do whatever 1030 00:44:36,250 --> 00:44:38,472 they can to make sure that that doesn't 1031 00:44:38,472 --> 00:44:42,280 happen . So your question was whether 1032 00:44:42,290 --> 00:44:44,689 or not the air defense capability that 1033 00:44:44,699 --> 00:44:47,939 we look to provide to Taiwan puts at 1034 00:44:47,949 --> 00:44:51,459 risk our efforts to support Ukraine . 1035 00:44:51,780 --> 00:44:55,310 Short answer is no , you will recall 1036 00:44:55,320 --> 00:44:59,189 that the work that we're doing in 1037 00:44:59,199 --> 00:45:01,366 support of Ukraine is an international 1038 00:45:01,366 --> 00:45:04,600 effort every month . As you know , we 1039 00:45:04,610 --> 00:45:07,469 gather some 50 or so countries 1040 00:45:07,820 --> 00:45:10,520 together to really drill down on what 1041 00:45:10,530 --> 00:45:13,459 Ukraine's needs are and generate 1042 00:45:13,469 --> 00:45:16,840 support , security assistance as 1043 00:45:16,850 --> 00:45:19,270 quickly as we can . And that support is 1044 00:45:19,280 --> 00:45:21,336 focused on what their pressing needs 1045 00:45:21,336 --> 00:45:23,739 are with respect to Taiwan . 1046 00:45:25,070 --> 00:45:27,510 The capability that we are providing 1047 00:45:27,520 --> 00:45:30,439 them is defensive capability . As you 1048 00:45:30,449 --> 00:45:32,505 know , in accordance with the Taiwan 1049 00:45:32,505 --> 00:45:34,505 Relations Act , we are committed to 1050 00:45:34,540 --> 00:45:36,596 helping them get the capability they 1051 00:45:36,596 --> 00:45:39,330 need to defend themselves . And so this 1052 00:45:39,340 --> 00:45:42,669 is no change from what we've done in 1053 00:45:42,679 --> 00:45:45,709 the past . So , again , defensive 1054 00:45:45,719 --> 00:45:49,679 capabilities and it doesn't put 1055 00:45:49,689 --> 00:45:51,745 at risk anything that we're doing in 1056 00:45:51,745 --> 00:45:54,250 support of Ukraine uh 1057 00:46:06,770 --> 00:46:09,689 to Taiwan . I think it's important to 1058 00:46:09,699 --> 00:46:11,719 use every instrument that we have 1059 00:46:11,729 --> 00:46:13,729 available , every mechanism that we 1060 00:46:13,729 --> 00:46:16,239 have available F MS other things in 1061 00:46:16,250 --> 00:46:19,959 addition to PD . So it , 1062 00:46:20,370 --> 00:46:22,426 it's really using every tool that we 1063 00:46:22,426 --> 00:46:24,537 have in the inventory , Stephen DZ of 1064 00:46:24,537 --> 00:46:25,537 the ABC . 1065 00:46:28,129 --> 00:46:30,351 Thank you very much all of you for your 1066 00:46:30,351 --> 00:46:32,830 time . Uh Secretary Austin , could I 1067 00:46:32,840 --> 00:46:35,310 perhaps just ask you , you referenced 1068 00:46:35,320 --> 00:46:37,320 yesterday , what you called China's 1069 00:46:37,320 --> 00:46:39,487 coercive behavior in the South Pacific 1070 00:46:39,487 --> 00:46:42,110 amongst other places ? Um Are you 1071 00:46:42,120 --> 00:46:44,419 concerned by Beijing's growing police 1072 00:46:44,429 --> 00:46:46,580 cooperation agreement with Solomon 1073 00:46:46,590 --> 00:46:48,534 Islands ? And can I ask , does the 1074 00:46:48,534 --> 00:46:50,840 administration also support this 1075 00:46:50,850 --> 00:46:52,406 government , the Australian 1076 00:46:52,406 --> 00:46:54,572 government's declaration that it would 1077 00:46:54,572 --> 00:46:56,683 be willing to support Solomon Islands 1078 00:46:56,683 --> 00:46:58,919 to establish its own military forces if 1079 00:46:58,929 --> 00:47:01,199 Solomon Islands chooses to go down that 1080 00:47:01,209 --> 00:47:04,729 path ? And Deputy Prime Minister Miles , 1081 00:47:04,739 --> 00:47:07,399 you flagged deepening space cooperation 1082 00:47:07,610 --> 00:47:09,666 in this statement . Can I ask , will 1083 00:47:09,666 --> 00:47:11,388 you work together on offensive 1084 00:47:11,388 --> 00:47:13,332 capabilities uh or are you largely 1085 00:47:13,332 --> 00:47:15,459 focused on Domain Awareness and 1086 00:47:15,469 --> 00:47:17,691 Secretary Austin , if you would care to 1087 00:47:17,691 --> 00:47:19,747 speak at all about what role you see 1088 00:47:19,747 --> 00:47:21,747 Australia playing in this area ? Uh 1089 00:47:21,747 --> 00:47:23,969 That would be welcome too . Thank you . 1090 00:47:27,850 --> 00:47:29,794 OK , let me just re attack on your 1091 00:47:29,794 --> 00:47:31,794 first question there . What was the 1092 00:47:31,794 --> 00:47:35,560 first part of that ? Yeah . So , uh I 1093 00:47:35,689 --> 00:47:38,520 think it's important to note that we 1094 00:47:38,530 --> 00:47:41,919 don't ask countries to choose between 1095 00:47:41,929 --> 00:47:45,530 us and other countries . So because you 1096 00:47:45,540 --> 00:47:47,709 have a relationship with us doesn't 1097 00:47:47,830 --> 00:47:50,070 prohibit you from having relationships 1098 00:47:50,080 --> 00:47:52,250 with other countries . And we clearly 1099 00:47:52,260 --> 00:47:54,427 recognize that that's going to occur . 1100 00:47:54,427 --> 00:47:56,649 That's , that's not a condition that we 1101 00:47:56,649 --> 00:47:59,149 place on any country that uh that we 1102 00:47:59,199 --> 00:48:02,189 have a relation , relationship with uh 1103 00:48:02,199 --> 00:48:04,469 our relationships are based on mutual 1104 00:48:04,479 --> 00:48:06,810 respect . And in terms of whether or 1105 00:48:06,820 --> 00:48:10,229 not we would we support our 1106 00:48:10,280 --> 00:48:12,689 allies , effort to provide assistance 1107 00:48:12,699 --> 00:48:15,270 to uh you know , partners in the region . 1108 00:48:15,280 --> 00:48:18,159 Absolutely . We , we see things alike . 1109 00:48:18,169 --> 00:48:21,600 We have a common vision of a free and 1110 00:48:21,610 --> 00:48:24,270 open Indo Pacific . And again , 1111 00:48:25,419 --> 00:48:27,641 there are a number of things that we're 1112 00:48:27,641 --> 00:48:29,752 going to continue to work together on 1113 00:48:29,752 --> 00:48:31,475 and build greater capacity and 1114 00:48:31,475 --> 00:48:33,641 capability for our partners and allies 1115 00:48:33,641 --> 00:48:35,752 in the region . And I look forward to 1116 00:48:35,752 --> 00:48:38,750 working with Australia . Uh Well , I 1117 00:48:38,760 --> 00:48:40,790 suppose , can I firstly start by 1118 00:48:40,800 --> 00:48:42,578 expressing my concern about the 1119 00:48:42,578 --> 00:48:44,800 evolution of cluster questions from the 1120 00:48:44,800 --> 00:48:47,760 Australian media ? Uh We have uh a deep 1121 00:48:47,770 --> 00:48:49,770 working relationship where we share 1122 00:48:49,770 --> 00:48:51,770 much between each other uh as 1123 00:48:51,780 --> 00:48:53,780 governments , we'd prefer there was 1124 00:48:53,780 --> 00:48:56,370 less sharing going on uh down here . Um 1125 00:48:56,739 --> 00:48:59,550 uh Look in , in respect of uh space . 1126 00:48:59,560 --> 00:49:01,860 Uh Space , Domain Awareness will form 1127 00:49:01,870 --> 00:49:04,469 part uh of the cooperation that we 1128 00:49:04,479 --> 00:49:06,646 engage in between our two countries in 1129 00:49:06,646 --> 00:49:09,260 terms of uh force posture arrangements 1130 00:49:09,270 --> 00:49:11,709 in this area . Uh That'll probably be 1131 00:49:11,719 --> 00:49:13,886 the extent of what any of us will ever 1132 00:49:13,886 --> 00:49:16,899 say uh about what else we do in respect 1133 00:49:16,909 --> 00:49:20,510 of uh cooperation i involving space . 1134 00:49:20,669 --> 00:49:23,629 Um We obviously do have uh a long 1135 00:49:23,639 --> 00:49:26,310 history um of working with the United 1136 00:49:26,320 --> 00:49:28,695 States um in relation to space . So 1137 00:49:28,705 --> 00:49:30,761 it's actually pretty natural that as 1138 00:49:30,761 --> 00:49:33,004 space evolves as a domain of human 1139 00:49:33,014 --> 00:49:35,254 contest , that it becomes one of the 1140 00:49:35,264 --> 00:49:37,705 key areas of Force Posture initiatives 1141 00:49:37,715 --> 00:49:39,814 of America within Australia . And we 1142 00:49:39,824 --> 00:49:41,380 think that uh obviously the 1143 00:49:41,380 --> 00:49:43,655 opportunities that it arises , it gives 1144 00:49:43,665 --> 00:49:45,945 rise to in terms of our own national 1145 00:49:45,955 --> 00:49:48,965 security are very exciting . Uh But the 1146 00:49:48,975 --> 00:49:51,197 opportunities that it's gonna give rise 1147 00:49:51,197 --> 00:49:53,419 to in terms of developing technology in 1148 00:49:53,419 --> 00:49:55,925 this country is also uh really exciting 1149 00:49:55,935 --> 00:49:58,268 as well . Um With that , Tony and Lloyd , 1150 00:49:58,270 --> 00:50:00,469 thank you very much uh for being with 1151 00:50:00,479 --> 00:50:02,535 us . It's been an honor on behalf of 1152 00:50:02,535 --> 00:50:04,479 Penny and I to have you here . And 1153 00:50:04,479 --> 00:50:04,310 ladies and gentlemen , thank you for 1154 00:50:04,320 --> 00:50:05,639 this afternoon . Thank you all .